Romane von Ella Anderson

Austin barely slept the entire night. Even while lying in one of Linda’s guest rooms, his mind refused to rest. He knew he would have to face Andrew’s suspicion the moment he returned, and there was no clear way out anymore. By morning, the decision was already made in his mind—he couldn’t stay any longer. After a quiet breakfast, he stood near the entrance while Rachel walked downstairs. “You’re leaving already?” she asked softly. Austin nodded. “I can’t stay away too long. It’ll raise suspicion.” Rachel lowered her eyes. “Thank you… for everything.” Austin stepped closer and gently squeezed her shoulder. “Change your number,” he said quietly. “Your life is here now. Stay safe.” Rachel gave a small, silent nod. Linda appeared at the doorway and walked him outside. “Trust me with her,” she said firmly. “Just find a way to settle everything back home.” Then, after a pause, she added, “And how is grandfather?” Austin’s expression tightened. “He’s not good… but I pray he mak

Rachel let out a shaky sigh of relief as the jet finally steadied in the air. For the first time in hours, she allowed herself to breathe properly. Her mind drifted back to everything that had led her to this point—her reckless alliance with Austin, the dangerous revenge plan, and the secrets they had uncovered along the way. Her chest tightened. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she now knew the truth. The Daniels family had helped the Andersons erase her father from existence. The realization hurt more than she expected. But walking away now? After coming this far? That felt impossible. “Rachel.” Austin’s voice pulled her out of her thoughts. She looked up suddenly, realizing he had been calling her name for a while. His face was filled with concern. “You okay?” he asked softly. Rachel forced a small smile and leaned back against her seat. “Thank you, Austin,” she whispered. He studied her for a moment before nodding quietly. --- Far away, John sat inside his car,

Austin locked the door behind them. Rachel stood near the window, arms wrapped around herself. “You should eat,” Austin said gently. “I’m not hungry.” “You look weak though.” She didn’t argue this time. He went into the kitchen and came back with something simple — warm rice and grilled chicken. Nothing fancy. Just comfort food. He placed it in front of her. “Sit.” She hesitated, then sat. For a moment she only stared at the plate. “I feel like if I relax, something bad will happen,” she whispered. Austin pulled a chair closer. Just enough. “You’re safe here,” he said quietly. She looked at him. “Are you sure?” Then he said softly, “I’m here. That’s what I’m sure about.” She finally took a bite. Small. Slow.After a few minutes she asked, “Why are you helping me?” Austin leaned back slightly. “Because no one helped you.” That hit her. Her eyes became glossy but she didn’t cry. Instead, she kept eating.A soft silence filled the room. For t

Austin barely slept. By morning, his nerves were frayed thin. He stood in his study, staring at his phone, rereading the short message Rachel had sent an hour ago. I’m fine. It’s quiet. Too quiet. He locked the screen and exhaled. He couldn’t go too long without checking on her. The bunker was secure — but paranoia had its own voice. And today, John was watching him. Downstairs, the mansion felt heavier than usual. Staff moved carefully. Security had doubled overnight. John was already in the dining hall when Austin entered. “You’re leaving later?” John asked casually, sipping his coffee. Austin nodded. “Jet’s at four.” John’s eyes lifted slowly. Studying. Measuring. “You seem… distracted.” Austin forced a small smile. “You buried someone you fought to protect. Tell me you wouldn’t be.” John held his gaze for three seconds too long. Then he looked down at his phone. It buzzed. Once. Twice. John’s expression didn’t change — but his fingers stilled slightly before he u

Austin walked as fast as he could, trying to disappear from John’s sight. He didn’t want to stay another second. If John looked at him too long, he might see that something was wrong. He entered his car quickly and shut the door. For a moment, he just sat there, staring at the steering wheel. What was he doing? Was this right? Was he betraying his own family? Should he inform the police about Rachel’s whereabouts? He exhaled slowly. This wasn’t her fault. Whatever happened before, she didn’t deserve to be hunted like this. Everyone deserves a second chance. He started the car and drove. Two and a half hours later, he arrived at the coast . He stayed inside the car for about five minutes, staring at the house in front of him. The place was quiet. Once he stepped out, there would be no going back. He walked to the door and knocked. After a few seconds, the coded lock clicked, and the door opened slowly. Rachel stepped out. “I don’t think you’re safe here,” Austin said immed

Linda’s breath hitched as she stepped closer to the window, gripping her phone tighter. “Are you sure where she is… is actually safe, Austin?” Austin pressed his fingers into his forehead, exhaustion weighing on his shoulders. “It’s nothing fancy,” he murmured, voice low. “But it’s manageable. For now.” He pushed open the hospital doors and let the cold outside air hit him, cooling the fire in his chest. “Here,” he said. “This is the location.” He sent it. Linda checked the map and froze. “That small cottage? Near the coast?” “Yes.” “Austin… Dad could show up there anytime. That was Grandfather’s favourite place before Grandma passed.” “I know.” His voice dropped to almost a whisper. “But he hasn’t gone there in years. The renovation stopped, and the whole area’s been abandoned. Nobody uses it anymore.” “It’s still not safe.” Her tone hardened, fear mixing with determination. “Austin, I’ll find something better. I think there’s an underground apartment in Grandfather’s o